B.B. King - 3 O'Clock Blues Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When was '3 O'Clock Blues' by B.B. King originally recorded?

   '3 O'Clock Blues' by B.B. King was originally recorded around September 1951 at an improvised studio in a room at the Memphis YMCA.

2. What key is '3 O'Clock Blues' by B.B. King played in, and what is its tempo?

   '3 O'Clock Blues' by B.B. King is played in the key of C, with a slow tempo of 65 beats per minute, and is notated in 12/8 time.

3. Who were the notable musicians that played on B.B. King’s recording of '3 O'Clock Blues'?

   The recording of '3 O'Clock Blues' by B.B. King featured a full backing arrangement, including a horn section with Evelyn Young on saxophone and Ike Turner on piano.

4. How did '3 O'Clock Blues' impact B.B. King's career?

   '3 O'Clock Blues' launched B.B. King's career, becoming his first hit and one of the best-selling R&B singles in 1952. The success allowed him to perform in big theaters and significantly increased his earnings, establishing him as a prominent blues artist.

5. Has B.B. King recorded multiple versions of '3 O'Clock Blues'?

   Yes, B.B. King recorded several versions of '3 O'Clock Blues,' including a notable version in 2000 for the album 'Riding with the King' with Eric Clapton.

6. What awards has the song '3 O'Clock Blues' received?

   The 1951 recording of '3 O'Clock Blues' was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Blues Hall of Fame as a 'Classic of Blues Recording' in 2020.